NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs have been not-so-quietly trying to trade outfielder Kosuke Fukudome for the better part of two years. First, because he was unproductive; then, because Tyler Colvin had emerged as an option; and now, because he’s an impending free agent.
With several teams showing interest, the question remains: how does Fukudome feel about being traded? We know he’s got a limited no-trade clause, which allows him to block deals to up to six teams. So could he – like Aramis Ramirez says he plans to do – block the Cubs from dealing him for prospects?
Whether he could or not, he doesn’t have the sound of a guy who’s opposed to moving to a contender.
“It really doesn’t bother me,” Fukudome said of his name popping up in trade rumors. “As long as I’m a player and people are interested in me, I take it as a compliment.”
“Personally, I don’t think a trade is a negative thing,” Fukudome continued. “If another team wants me to play for them in their organization, that seems to be a positive. It is true though, that in Japan, a trade of a player is not necessarily viewed as a positive thing.”
Fukudome is owed about $4.3 million for the rest of this season, and could make a hell of a fourth outfielder or even a starter against righties. At least four teams, one of whom is almost certainly the Indians, are showing interest in Fukudome. So, if he’s open to it, a trade is likely to happen. And now it sounds like he’s open to it.
Now to rain on your parade a bit. Even if the Cubs eat a portion of that remaining salary, don’t get top 50 prospects sparkling in your eyes. The return is likely to be worth making the move, but too meager to salvage your month.
Aside: this week figures to be a crazy one for Chicago Cubs trade rumors and news, so make sure you’ve “liked” Bleacher Nation on Facebook or followed it on Twitter to get all the latest.
